Download the 2002 Annual Report

MISSION AND FUNCTION
The Aloha Tower Development Corporation (ATDC) was established in 1981 to redevelop a certain area of land surrounding the Aloha Tower in order "to strengthen the international economic base of the community in trade activities; to enhance the beautification of the waterfront; in conjunction with the Department of Transportation, to better serve modern maritime uses; and to provide for public access and use of the waterfront property."

The boundaries of the project area called the Aloha Tower Complex include the areas makai of Nimitz Highway from Piers 5 and 6, Piers 8 through 23, and portions of Nimitz Highway and Iwilei.

ORGANIZATION
The ATDC is managed by a Board of Directors, consisting of the Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism; the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources; the Director of Transportation; the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu or their representatives; and three citizens from the community. Presently, the ATDC public members are Mr. David Louie, Chair; Mr. Peter Kim; and Mr. Jim Lyon. Mr. Ronald Hirano is the Executive Director.

SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
The ATDC has vigorously pursued its responsibilities to redevelop the Aloha Tower Complex. In that regard, the followings are recent milestones towards the goal of creating a "people place."

• ATDC began negotiations with potential developers of Piers 5 & 6 in January of last year. After concluding that there were several possibilities, ATDC issued an RFP in September 2002 for proposals on developing Piers 5 & 6. Responses are due November 2002 with selection in December 2002.

• ATDC is currently negotiating with various entities for development of Piers 13 - 15 including a new cruise ship terminal, fireboat facility and significant park space and promenades. Agreement is expected in this fiscal year.

• As a result of the repositioning plan that began in 1999, sales have reported to be up as well as the number of patrons. It is estimated that close to 2.9 million people a year visit the marketplace with expenditures close to $40 Million annually. Increased cruise ship activity prior to September 11, 2001, had a significant positive impact on Marketplace visitation. Since then, there has been a significant decrease in the number of visitors to the Marketplace. Marketing efforts are being directed at the local consumer to compensate.

• Additional improvements are planned at the Aloha Tower itself. In conjunction with the Department of Transportation the Tower will have additional lighting installed and color imaging to enhance the Tower's prominence as part of the Honolulu night skyline.

• ATDC has entered into a lease and development agreement with New World Divers for the creation of a world class diving facility and training center to be constructed between piers 6 and 7 on the remnants of the old bridge footings. This innovative training facility and free dive center is intended as a resource for the entire dive industry in Hawaii and will be open to all existing shops and tour operators for their use. Given the high percentage of divers visiting Hawaii, the facility should increase the traffic in and around the marketplace. New World Divers also plans to market the Oahu dive experience aggressively both nationally and internationally, increasing Hawaii's exposure as a destination and increasing the expedition tourist numbers. Construction should begin in early 2003 and be completed within six months.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The objective of this development, as mandated by ATDC's enabling Statute, is to create a "people place" characterized by an active, bustling waterfront with Aloha Tower as its centerpiece. Retail activity will be coupled with entertainment; interesting restaurants and maritime activity catered to both residents and visitors. Ultimately the Aloha Tower Complex will become a destination, offering business, retail and educational activities.

The original proposal envisioned a project with several components each serving a specific purpose. The current development focus is on enhancing the value of the project by creating additional "mass" through development of reasonable density designed to enhance or complement existing activity in the urban waterfront.

THE MARKETPLACE AT ALOHA TOWER

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